Gravel in Denver, CO

A typical tri-axle dump truck in the Denver area carries about 10-12 tons. Delivered prices vary by gravel type but commonly run about $30 to $60 per ton, so expect roughly $300 to $720 for one full truckload delivered, with specialty stone or river rock costing more. Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum and offers standard 2+ business day delivery; exact pricing depends on material, supplier, and delivery location.

Estimate by area: a 40 ft long driveway at 10 ft wide is 400 sq ft. At 2u0022 depth you need about 5 tons, at 3u0022 about 7 tons, and at 4u0022 about 10 tons. For Denver driveways we usually recommend a compacted base (4u0022 crushed rock) plus a 2-3u0022 driving surface of gravel, so plan for 6-10 tons for a standard single-car gravel driveway.

A 20x20 driveway is 400 sq ft. For a 2-3u0022 surface you’ll typically need 5 to 7 tons; at $30 to $60 per ton delivered, materials and delivery are about $150 to $420. If you include a proper compacted base, rental/contractor labor, and compaction, total installed costs commonly range from about $400 to $1,200 depending on material type and whether you hire a contractor.

Two inches is usually too thin for a driveway in Denver, especially with freeze-thaw cycles and snowplowing. Two inches may work for a decorative path over a stable base, but for vehicle traffic we recommend at least 3 to 4 inches of compacted surface plus a thicker compacted base underneath for long-term performance. Thicker material helps with drainage and reduces rutting during spring thaw.

Using common coverage estimates, 10 tons will cover roughly 800 sq ft at 2u0022 depth, about 600 sq ft at 3u0022 depth, and about 400 sq ft at 4u0022 depth. Actual coverage varies with stone density and crush size, so we recommend using Hello Gravel's material calculator or ordering a little extra for compaction and settlement. A single tri-axle truck is often in this 10-12 ton range, so one truck frequently covers a small driveway or large walkway.

A crushed aggregate mix with a range of sizes (commonly called 3/4u0022 minus or crusher run) is a good choice for driveways because it compacts well and locks together. For a finished driving surface, a 3/8u0022 to 1/2u0022 crushed stone or pea gravel topcoat can provide a smoother ride; however, topcoat stones without fines may shift more under traffic. Local suppliers in the Denver area may offer regional blends, so ask your Hello Gravel representative for recommendations for your specific use and climate.

Using typical delivered prices of $30 to $60 per ton, 20 tons of common gravel will generally cost about $600 to $1,200. Specialty aggregates or long deliveries can push that higher, and some suppliers offer lower per-ton pricing for full truckloads. Check Hello Gravel for exact quotes and any delivery fees or next-day charges.

A standard tri-axle truck carrying 10-12 tons will cover roughly 800 to 960 sq ft at 2u0022 depth, about 600 to 720 sq ft at 3u0022 depth, or 400 to 480 sq ft at 4u0022 depth. Coverage depends on material density and how much spreading and compaction you plan to do. If you need a precise estimate, use measurements of your area and the Hello Gravel calculator before ordering.

Buy by the ton with a clear measurement of your area, consolidate to full truckloads when possible to get better per-ton pricing, and schedule standard delivery (2+ business days) to avoid rush fees. Use Hello Gravel's calculator and product descriptions to pick a locally sourced aggregate that suits your project, and request delivery instructions and any spreading needs at checkout. Comparing a couple local material types and confirming exact delivery access will reduce surprises and extra charges.

A well-built gravel driveway in Denver can function for many years, but it needs periodic maintenance: light grading and weed control annually, and topping up 1 to 2 inches of gravel every 1 to 5 years depending on traffic. Adding 1 inch typically covers about 160 sq ft per ton, so topping a 400 sq ft driveway with 1u0022 would need roughly 2.5 tons; at $30 to $60 per ton, expect $75 to $150 for that refill delivered. Larger repairs, regrading, or full-depth rebuilding will cost more, so regular upkeep is the most cost-effective approach.